The Column of Phocas

The Column of Phocas:
A Novel of Murder and Intrigue Set in Mediaeval Rome
by Sean Gabb

Note: This book will be republished in a new version by Hodder and Stoughton in February 2008. The first three chapters of the first edition will remain available as a free download. Copies signed by the author remain on sale until stocks run out.

Rome in 609 AD. The Empire has fallen. The City itself is rapidly falling into ruins. The streets are blocked with filth and rubble. Killers prowl by night. The barbarians outside await their moment. The Emperor, far off in Constantinople, has other concerns. The Church is the one institution left intact, and is now flexing its own imperial muscles.

But for King Ethelbert of Kent, Aelric would never have seen this post-imperial snake pit. “If I catch you in my realms” the King had snarled at him, “I’ll have your balls on a church plate, and fuck the priests.” So to Rome he comes—as secretary to Maximin, a priest sent back to gather books for the new English mission.

A chance encounter on the road to Rome sucks them into a mystery. There is fraud and pursuit and murder after murder. Soon, Aelric is involved in a race against time to find answers. Who is trying to kill him? Where are those letters and what do they contain? Who is the one-eyed man? What significance to all this has the Column of Phocas, the monument just put up in the Forum to celebrate a tyrant’s generosity to Holy Mother Church?

Blundering via lechery, drunkenness, blasphemy, drug abuse, market rigging and pedantry, Aelric at last gets his answer. What he chooses to do with that answer will shape the future history of Europe and the world....

This novel blends historical detail with mystery, dark humour, and reflections on the decay of learning. Though conforming to the genre rules of historical detective fiction, it manages much else besides. A sequel is already in progress.

Warning: the novel contains strong language, descriptions of extreme violence, and some sex, both straight and gay. It is not for the faint-hearted!

On the other hand, the novel does admit of a religious interpretation. do not be put off by its external appearance.

Download free pdf file of first three chapters

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Again, we are able to accept Mastercard/Eurocard, Visa, Delta, Electron, American Express, Switch and Solo cards, as well as PayPal. To make a card payment, click on the "make a donation" icon and follow the prompts. If you have trouble or wish to pay by cheque, contact Sean Gabb at sean@libertarian.co.uk.